Dr. Preston B. Rowe Jr., PhD, born June 6, 1940, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away in his home in Tucker, Georgia on June 20, 2025, just two weeks after his 85th birthday, coincidently at the same age as his mother, Herma Chase Rowe; father, Preston B. Rowe Sr.; and his sister, Barbara Preston Sprague. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Willard Chase Rowe; his son, Wayne Preston Rowe; beloved foster daughter, Patricia Dianne Sisk, and her son, Wendell Dewayne Wheeles.

He will be missed by many, including his wife of 62+ years, Phyllis Rowe, and son James Rowe, both of Tucker, Georgia; daughter Katrina Rowe of Burlington, Vermont; son and daughter-in-law, Preston B. Rowe III and Fiona Ritchie of Haverhill, Massachusetts; and daughter-in-law Margaret Rowe of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. His grandchildren and great grandchildren include Kurt Rowe, Christina Eppleston and husband Paul, Wayne Rowe Jr., James P. Rowe, Joshua Rowe and wife Jessica, Tiffany Ford and wife Sabrina, Edward Rowe, Ashley Rowe, Pierce Rowe, Jason Wheeles, Kenneth Wheeles, Liam Jaime and Ayla Rowe. His cherished nieces and nephews are Carolyn Hawrylciw, Edward Sprague, Marcia Sprague, Gail Simons, and Bruce Rowe.

With the family focus on education, and after his mother questioned his “B” in the second grade, he vowed to never make another “B”, and strove to always achieve his highest potential. He achieved this goal and more, receiving many awards and scholarships while attending New Bedford HS, Dartmouth College (Mathematics, BS), MIT (Psychology, PhD) and University of Alabama (Computer Science, MS).

He taught multiple disciplines during his 40+ years as a tenured professor and department chair at Talladega College. His eye was always on equality and social justice as he inspired many to think and act according to their beliefs. He is especially remembered for his passionate, animated teaching style, particularly with regard to his self-developed curriculums in “formal/critical” thinking. Years after his retirement, a scholarship was established at Talladega College by former student, Homer Hayes, in honor of his dedication and compassion.  

He was devoted to family and friends and chose a life that allowed him the flexibility to spend quality time with them.  He was particularly delighted to reconnect recently with his early childhood friend, Warren Offley, after not seeing each other in over 60 years.

He cherished nature, animals, and children. He loved his walks in the woods with family and cherished pets. He particularly enjoyed climbing Mt. Washington multiple times during his lifetime, his first at age 8 and his last in celebration of his 70th birthday. In later years, when walking became more challenging, he appreciated the opportunity to exercise in his self-propelled pedal wheelchair in the local parks. Here he could continue to enjoy watching children and adults at play, and being outdoors. During his final year, he continued to make wonderful connections while being lovingly cared for at Royal Adult Day Services, thanks to Landa Gamble and her amazing staff.

A condolence email just received said it best "He was one of the kindest and most caring people I have ever known." This fit him, as his guiding philosophy was that you strive to “Love and Like” everyone, and if there are people or times that you “Love and Dislike”, you always love them first.

His final act in living a life of helping and caring for others was to have his body donated to Emory Medical School. At a future date there will be a private family celebration of his life atop his cherished Mt Tug.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the “Dr. Preston B. Rowe Scholarship fund” or to “Royal Adult Day Services”, both listed below.

—————————-

Talladega College

Office of Institutional Advancement

627 W. Battle St. House 811

Talladega, AL 35160

** Please designate as donation to “Dr. Preston Rowe Scholarship Fund”

—————————-

Mrs. Landa Gamble

c/o Royal Adult Day Services

6212 Memorial Drive

Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/preston-rowe/obituary/

Copy